Study in Canada
Change Your Life Forever

Every year, thousands of students from all over the world pack up their books, belongings, and ultimately their lives - and travel to Canada to study. No matter where you choose to go or your length of study, you’ll find that Canada has a great deal of opportunities to offer, and more importantly, you’ll have the chance to change your life for the better. Before you pack your bags, there are a number of things that you have to do before you get to Canada...and preparation is key!

Prepare, Prepare Prepare

1) Where do I want to go?

Canada is a vast country, (total areais second largest in the world) and has a population of over 33 million people, and two official languages (English and French). Therefore, it is very important to know exactly where you want to go. While you are still in your home country, get on the Internet and do some research. Want to experience beautiful farmland? Try one of the prairies (Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba). Want to live in a major metropolitan city? Try Toronto. Interested in folk music and pub culture? Maybe Newfoundland and Labrador is for you. Look at as many schools as you can, and think carefully about a major area of study. If you are interested in completing a degree, the Canadian education system differs from some countries in the fact that you can take a range of subjects in the first year, and confirm your major later on. So you can relax in knowing that you don’t need to make your choice straight away.

2. How do I get there?

Now you have a wish list of schools, it’s time to apply. As an international student, you will need to apply approximately eight months or two semesters before the semester in which you intend to study. You may want to apply to more than one institution to keep your options open, in the event that you don’t get into your top choice. Keep in contact with the admissions staff, and especially the international admissions staff, if your chosen school offers this option. Canada has two official languages – English and French. If you are not a native speaker of either, you may have to take language tests to prove that you have a good level of attainment in your study language. Check with admissions staff what tests you need to complete (TOEFL, CAEL, TFI) and what minimum scores are required. For more information, check with admissions staff at your chosen university or college. Do you have the grades? Most programs at colleges and universities in Canada will
require some level of attainment to get in, whether it is a high school diploma, undergraduate degree or the equivalent from your home country. Depending on the school, you may need to supply transcripts (a list of courses you took - and your grades), certificates, standardized test scores, and other official information. Anything that is not in English (or French) will need to be translated into the language that the university uses for instruction. To apply to your chosen school, you’ll need to fill in application forms for every institution to which you intend to apply, and provide a fair amount of background information. Some provinces allow you to complete one form online through an agency that submits your application to a number of universities, such as OUAC in Ontario, or PASBC in British Columbia. If you apply directly to your universities, the information that you need to provide may vary, so ask your chosen school for an admissions package, and make sure that you provide everything that is needed.

3. Great! I’ve been accepted. Now what?

The most important thing other than getting on your course is getting your study permit. Apart from some special circumstances, you will need a study permit to study in Canada. To apply for your permit, you must have been accepted by a school, college, university or other educational institution in Canada, and must be able to provide proof that:

• You have enough money to cover tuition, living expenses, transportation and other costs while you are living in Canada (bank statements, proof of scholarship, parental bank statements, etc.)
  
  
• You are a law-abiding citizen and do not have a criminal record (police check from your country of residence
  
  
• You are in good health (medical records)
  
  
• You will leave Canada once you have completed your studies Remember to apply for this as much in advance as possible. If you arrive in Canada without your study permit you may not be allowed to enter the country. As mentioned above, when you apply for your study permit, you are asked to provide proof of monetary support, such as parental support, company sponsorship, or another form of financing - this can include scholarships, which a number of international students use as a way for paying for their education. Ideally you should apply and get confirmation of your funding BEFORE applying for your permit, as you don’t want to get rejected due to a lack of funding. Once your study permit and your college/university acceptance have been approved, you’re going to need to arrange how you are going to get there, and where you are going to live. Most universities provide information on housing, living in halls etc, so it is worth contacting them before you start looking, as they may be able to help you. In terms of housing arrangements, there are a lot of avenues open to you, including halls of residence (living at the university in dormitories or small apartments), homestay (when you live with a Canadian family), or living off campus in your own apartment.

Welcome to Canada

So you’ve done all your preparation, and you’re sitting in your new home waiting for classes to start. What happens now?

1. Getting Settled

Once you arrive at your new college or university, get in touch with the international students office or counsellor. They will have a wealth of information about the university, tuition payments, legal and immigration issues, and designated people who will help you if you have any problems while you are attending school. Most universities and colleges will have a week of international student induction events, which might include workshops, tours, trips around the town, and guidance on how to survive your first few weeks in Canada. You may feel overwhelmed – don’t be! This is a great way to make friends, and to meet people from all over the world who are in the same situation as you.

2. Starting Classes

Frosh Week (the first week of school) will give you the opportunity to meet more people and join clubs and associations. If there is an international students’ association, join it! They often offer a number of opportunities for international students to settle in to life in Canada, such as conversation clubs, buddy programs, and coffee socials. The first week of classes may seem daunting, but stick to it! You may find that classes are taught quite differently in Canada in comparison to your home country. For example, it is normal for students to talk without first putting their hand up, and debate and discussion is encouraged. In some classes, participation is compulsory, so you can’t just hide at the back of the room taking notes. This may be quite unnerving if you are used to a more passive system, but after a while it will become more comfortable. Instructors, professors and teaching assistants (TAs) will be happy to help you if you have any problems in or questions about their classes.

Tips for success:

Here are some tips for having a great time in Canada.

1. Don’t go through anything alone: This is a huge life change, and many people have problems settling in. Take advantage of student counselling and health facilities while you are in school.
   
   
2. Make sure everything is up to date: Remember to keep all your legal material current, such as your study permit, medical services plan (or health insurance, depending on the province), passport and other information.
   
   
3. Keep in the loop: Keep up to date on changes in the immigration system, and while you should take guidance from your international counsellors at school, they may not know everything, and it is your responsibility to check the
   immigration site regularly for changes.
   
   
4. Breaking the law: Some things that are legal in your country may not be legal in Canada. If you are not sure, check with law enforcement, or with your Canadian friends. The drinking age varies from province to province; so make sure that you are old enough to drink if you plan to go out in the evening. The golden rule is: if you are not sure whether it is legal or not, don’t do it.
   
   
5. Travel around the country and check out mountains, beaches, and breathtaking scenery. Watch a hockey game. Go whale watching. Learn how to snowboard. You may not get to travel to Canada again, so here is your chance to experience as much as you can while you are here. So good luck, and remember, this experience will change how you live forever. The education system in Canada is well known throughout the world, and a Canadian education will set you in good standing wherever you travel to next. Follow these steps and use the experience wisely— and you will alwayshave a little of Canada wherever you go in the world.

Editorial is provided by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. www.aucc.ca.